A BUS operator has got the hump over speed cushions which he reckons could have passengers reaching for their sea sickness pills.

Jim Stones has objected to Wigan Council's plans to install 15 pairs of speed cushions on Bonnywell Road, Hope Carr Road, Siddow Common and Mather Lane in Leigh.

Council chiefs insist the Traffic calming measures are necessary highlighted by the number of road accidents involving personal injury on these roads.

But according to the Glazebury-based bus and coach operator the number of speed reduction ramps is excessive.

Mr Stones, a partner in Jim Stones Coaches, said: "We appreciate there are roadways where there is a need for traffic calming measures, but we have operated our 596 bus services travelling twice hourly along these roads for over 14 years and encountered no problems.

"I therefore feel that 15 pairs over a distance of 0.8 of a mile is excessive."

He said: "If parking restrictions are not introduced in Bonnywell Road and Siddow Common we will not be able to drive directly over the cushions. Passengers will have a very bumpy ride and need to take sickness pills. They will be rocking all over the place."

But the council's strategy committee has overruled the objection.

They say the 75mm high speed cushions will not affect low floor buses and should cause little discomfort for passengers.

The proposals -- which include a 20 m.p.h. traffic regulation order for Mather Lane near St Joseph's School -- have been approved by the Traffic Management Unit which includes a senior representative of GMPTE, the organisation that represents Greater Manchester's bus operators.

If parking creates a road safety hazard, waiting restrictions will be proposed.